UNITED NATIONS — Zimbabwe’s president on Thursday lashed out at Western powers in his speech to the United Nations General Assembly, accusing them of genocide and calling for the removal of U.S. and British sanctions.
Robert Mugabe slammed Western-led efforts this year at the U.N. to step up punitive measures against his government, and he praised Russia and China for blocking them.
“By the way, those who falsely accuse us of these violations are themselves international perpetrators of genocide, acts of aggression and mass destruction,” Mugabe said.
“The masses of innocent men, women and children who have perished in their thousands in Iraq surely demand retribution and vengeance. Who shall heed their cry?” Mugabe asked.
Western sanctions have targeted individuals and companies supporting Mugabe’s government and were tightened after elections this spring.
Also addressing the General Assembly on Thursday was Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, who said his government has “relentless determination” to impose the rule of law and disarm militias.
“The road to achieving our desired goal of a secure, stable and prosperous Iraq is long,” Talabani said. “We hope that the international community will support and assist Iraq in achieving these goals.”
